Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
140. Ten Kalpas and a Long Time Ago
In the Infinite Life Sutra, Ananda asked the Buddha how long ago did Amitabha become a Buddha. The Buddha replied, “Ten kalpas have passed since he became a Buddha.”
However, there are many discussions on this matter. Some people say “ten kalpas”, but others say “ a long time ago”. How should we interpret these two different views? It can be said that both are true.
The Great Sutra says it is “ten kalpas”, then why is “ a long time ago” also said? Before discussing this query, let’s see where “a long time ago” is said in the Sutra.
(to be continued tomorrow)
140 十劫久遠
《無量壽經》中,阿難尊者提出了阿彌陀佛成佛以來時間多長的問題,釋尊回答說:「成佛以來,凡歷十劫。」
然而關於阿彌陀佛成佛的時間,也有種種議論。或有人引用本文說是「十劫」,或有人說是「久遠」,此二說應如何會通呢?可說「十久兩實」,兩說都是真實。
《大經》文面清楚地說是「十劫」,何以又立「久遠義」?以下先針對此疑,舉「久遠」文證作說明。
(待續)
Namo Amituofo!
